"Students will also be taken 'on country' by local Aboriginal mentors and learn about the local history and culture in the natural environment."

This will be some students' first experience of life in rural and regional Australia, travelling on average 400km to participate.

"The local communities put a lot of effort into welcoming the students and showing them the great lifestyle that is enjoyed in these thriving rural towns," Dr Chater said.

"Having the chance to live and experience clinical practice in a rural and remote community during a medical degree is a unique opportunity for students, and one that encourages them to practice rurally after graduation.

"Even short rural placements for otherwise metropolitan-based medical students significantly improves their knowledge of and their attitude to rural health issues."

Students will spend this week in the community, preparing for a longer rural placement.